Day 8 and you are still standing. At the end of these 30 days, you WILL be the strongest you have ever been. This time, it will be different. Your mind is set to win because this time, you have been inspired by your heart. Deep down inside you know the truth about yourself, who you are and what you are capable of achieving.

This time, you will go beyond the simple machinations of getting to the gym; you will make a conscious effort to fully commit to your regime and increase the intensity of your workouts. This time, you will hold your resolve beyond the first few weeks of the year and exercise will become a lifetime habit.

This time, instead of starving yourself to shed those extra pounds, you will make healthy choices and eat 5 to 6 times per day. This time, you will get back into those “skinny” jeans.

You will make time for yourself. You will get that massage your body desperately needs, that facial to make your skin feel fresh and clean and take the time to stop and smell the roses. You will take in the ocean’s grandeur and watch the sunset below the horizon. You will feel right within your heart and know you belong in this world and have a true purpose for living.

Hard to believe? Yes, I know. It’s hard. It’s hard to push through the pain of one more push up. It’s hard not to eat that cookie full of sugar. It’s hard to arrange your schedule and make time for yourself.

How many times have you said “this time will be different” and then broken your commitment as soon as the going gets tough? We are into the middle of January now, and it might seem easier to fall back into your old habits so here are 5 simple steps to keep you on track…this time.

1. Admit that you have a problem.

a. Ask yourself how this habit is impeding your life.

b. How is this behavior benefiting me?

c. What or who might be supporting this behavior?

2. Change your environment- change the scenery. Research has shown that our environments can cue certain behaviors. If you want to stop drinking that Starbuck’s Vente Mocha, drive by the Starbucks instead of stopping in. If you sit in a certain chair every morning on the patio to drink your coffee, remove it and replace it with a plant. Force yourself to reassess the habits you have cultivated by rote.

3. Make it difficult to indulge in the behavior you want to change.

a. Declare you intention to someone who can act as your “accountability partner” or your anchor.

b. Pay up- make a piggy bank and place money into it each time you indulge. And make it a hefty amount.

c. Don’t buy coffee, or whatever else it is you want to stop drinking, at the store when you shop. That way, when the urge hits you, you’ll have to get in the car, drive to the store and go to buy it. (That’s usually too much work.)

4. Replace an old behavior with a new one.

a. Instead of having that cup of coffee in the morning, go exercise.

b. Rather than saying “no” don’t do that, say I’m going to do something positive for myself.

5. Go easy on yourself. The truth is that old habits are hard to break, it takes time. Understand it’s a journey and change will not happen overnight however, in the end, the transformation is phenomenal!

This time, you are done with the old way of life. This is a new year. This is a new beginning and you can break old habits and patterns by replacing them with healthy and wholesome habits. Take advantage of the gifts before you. You are on the right path, in the right place, surrounded by the right people. If you continue on this journey, you will solidify your intention and create a new reality for yourself.

This time, the real you will reveal more love, strength and grit than you ever thought possible.

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Clara Bassett is the owner of Personal Best Enterprises, a fitness and wellness consulting company in Southern California. With over 30 years experience, she is a choreographer and diverse fitness program developer. Her clients include high profile fitness gurus like Kathy Smith, Jake Steinfeld of Body by Jake, Dosho Design, creators of Bowflex®, and many others. Cuban born, she is the creator of the Latin fitness program, Mambo Mania®. Certifications: ACE and AFAA Education provider for: ACE and AFAA